Derby will be without experienced midfielder John Eustace, who starts a two-match ban for reaching 10 yellow cards.

McClaren must decide whether to go with the midfield trio of Hughes, Jeff Hendrick and Craig Bryson or bring in George Thorne for his debut.

Thorne was signed on loan from West Bromwich Albion seven weeks ago as cover and competition for Eustace but he has yet to make an appearance.

McClaren says Thorne is in the frame but added: “If Will is fit, we have Jeff (Hendrick), who has done well, and Brys (Craig Bryson). So we have very good players in there, great competition for places.”

Forest will be without the injured Andy Reid.

McClaren, a former Forest manager, says the Reds will miss the Republic of Ireland international.

“I hear Andy Reid is now injured, that is a big loss for them,” added McClaren.

“He is a big player for them, very influential.

“I know Andy very well. He is a good player.”

BURNLEY have received good news on Championship Player of the Year Danny Ings' ankle problem.

The England Under-21 international has had a scan on the ligament injury he suffered against Birmingham City and is likely to be back in action in three weeks’ time.

Great news that Hughes is fit but really feel we need to play Thorne not Hendrick. We need a holding midfield player & neither Hughes or Hendrick play that role well. When we played Hendrick in that role v. Leicester we were overrun
I would play Hendrick or Hughes but not both